Obituaries: Paula Swift
With few exceptions that is untrue. It was particularly not the case for Paula Swift, wife of eight-term Representative Al Swift (D-Wash.). She died suddenly of a heart attack on Labor Day.
At Del Ray’s Fashion Block Party
Del Ray hosted a Fashion Block party Thursday, Sept. 6. Musician set up along the Avenue entertaining residents and visitors.
Obituaries: Janet Elizabeth Hannan Hyman
Janet Elizabeth (Libby) Hannan Hyman completed a long and full life of 99 years at Goodwin House in Falls Church on Aug. 16, 2012.
Neighborhoods
Seminary Valley
Hammond Middle Schools 1, 2 and 3 started off the new school year with 454, 453 and 493, respectively. Polk Elementary has enrolled 642 students, and 586 students attend Patrick Henry. Remember to keep an eye out for the children as they walk to school; although some of the kids ride buses, many of our neighbors walk or ride their bikes to school, and they are often accompanied by parents and siblings.
Bidding Adieu to The Winery
Local wine shop to close Sept. 15.
The Winery, a fine wine and gourmet food shop known for the personal touch of owner Jane Cahill, will be closing its doors Sept. 15 after more than a decade of serving the Alexandria community.
Fashion’s Night Out Alexandria
The inaugural Fashions Night Out Alexandria, presented by the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association, showcased more than 89 local businesses Thursday evening, Sept. 6.
Heel & Wheels
The Alexandria Chamber Professional Women’s Network joined event hosts Duke Street Speedy Lube and Mango Mike’s for an evening of barbeque and cars on Wednesday, Sept. 5.
City Celebrates 225th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution
Mayor Euille presented an official proclamation to Linda Greenberg, a member of the John Alexander Chapter of the DAR commemorating Constitution Week, Sept. 17 – 23, in Council Chambers in City Hall.
Letter: Historical Significance
Having eliminated the two other Alexandria signs, the state of Maryland now directs us to "National" Harbor instead, not a geographic location but a commercial establishment erected by a hotel chain. How did this get on Maryland state road signs?
Letter: People’s Role In Democracy
Sept. 17 inaugurates Constitution Week; that document, adopted 225 years ago in 1787, established our federal republic and has been the model for the constitutions of many other nations. In that undertaking, Alexandrian George Washington was again the indispensable man. The conference he hosted at Mt. Vernon in 1785 set an example of how states could cooperate for their mutual benefit.
Letter: ‘Demolition By Neglect’
The Yacht Basin within Windmill Hill Park is decaying at a rapid rate. It is the second best example in this city, after the Beachcomber Restaurant, of “demolition by neglect.”
Letter: Democracy Not Debatable
Your coverage of the discussions about whether or not the two candidates running for the job as Mayor of the City of Alexandria should meet to debate is frustrating. The debate about whether to debate is not what many of the residents want to read about. We need to hear more about the vision that Andrew Macdonald and Mayor William Euille have for Alexandria.
Letter: City Police Deserves Kudos
As a criminal justice practitioner for many years and as an educator as well, I had the recent privilege and pleasure to ride along with Sgt. Nicholas Rugierro. I observed nothing but the best during the tour of duty.
Column: Trip Without a Fall
Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.
Commentary: What To Do Until Help Arrives
Teen-agers and adults take First Aid Courses at their local Red Cross or in adult education programs. Taking such a course doesn't make you a professional but it does mean you can provide emergency support until professional help arrives.
Letter: Loss of ‘Community’ On Bike Paths
Last week I took a hard fall on the bike path. At 5:45 a.m., as I entered the Mount Vernon bike path on my commute to the Pentagon, I misjudged the location of the ramp entrance and instead slammed into the curb. Though it was dark, I was equipped with proper lighting on front, back and helmet, reflective belt and eye protection to prevent and be prepared for possible mishaps. I had made this trek hundreds of times, so making the entrance should have been easy.
Calendar: Sept. 7, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Fall for the Arts at 2nd Thursday Art Night
Browse open studios, interact with artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and special activities at this free monthly event on Thursday, Sept. 13, 6-9 p.m.
Art Activated
Let your creative side play at the 6th Annual Art Activated taking place during the Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Saturday Sept. 8 from noon-4 p.m.